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Broad developmental objectives
The objective of the project is to establish research collaboration amongst Samba members to
allow harnessing of scientific expertise, indigenous knowledge and biodiversity to develop
new treatments for HIV and opportunistic infections suffered by people living with
HIV/AIDS. The project has the following specific objectives:
- Identification of research institutions in each member state that can contribute
to the project;
- Collection and evaluation of indigenous knowledge relevant to treatment of
OI;
- Decision on which biodiversity species (medicinal plants, fungi, etc.) to select
for the study in a manner that is as inclusive as possible;
- Share access to project information through web-enabled database;
- Research (taxonomy, biological evaluation, chemistry, pharmacology, etc.) on
selected biodiversity samples;
- Sharing of information on the project with the National Focal point for
the Convention on Biodiversity (CBD) or appropriate authorities in each
country to ensure transparency and that the project conforms to international
as well as country-specific legislation;
- Based on outcomes of the project, a plan for to be undertaken to a point of
proof of concept for each treatment will be developed and a document
describing possible commercialization models will be created.
The project will aim to establish a technology platform for the scientific evaluation of
traditional medicines used to treat HIV/AIDS and OIs. This platform will be a significant
asset of the region that can be used in future projects that focus on related drug discovery
projects based on IK and plant biodiversity.
Purpose
The purpose of the project is to develop a lead for an effective, safe and affordable treatment
for HIV and OI suffered by people living with HIV/AIDS using the following guiding
principles:
- Maximum participation by all member states in all aspects of the project
wherever possible. It is recognized that all countries have the potential to
contribute to the three elements of this bioprospecting project:
- IK on use of traditional medicines as treatments for OI;
- supply of plant material from the countries’ biodiversity;
- scientific and technical capability;
- Recognition that each member state is the sovereign owner of its own
biodiversity and indigenous knowledge.
- Creation of maximum opportunity for shared learning amongst participants
thereby ensuring development of the biosciences skills base of Samba
participating scientists.
- Recognition that as a flagship project of Samba, the focus will be on delivery,
shared learning and the development of suitable modalities for cooperation
across the twelve member countries of Samba.
Objectives
The specific objectives of the project are:
- Completion of the development stages for SF2000 which will allow a clinical
evaluation of the product
- Expand the knowledge gained for SF2000 into the region by researching new
selected leads from other Samba member states
- Transfer of drug discovery and development skills based on biodiversity and
indigenous knowledge to scientists in the region
Beneficiaries
Local communities, students, research and academic institutions, community
entrepreneurs, IKS knowledge holders, and media institutions within the Southern Africa
region.
Results
- Scientist trained in drug discovery and development based on biodiversity and
indigenous knowledge
- Scientifically validated traditional medicines which could in the future be approved
for use
- Scientists trained in HIV screening
- Scientists trained in manufacturing of herbal products in compliance with GMP
- Scientist trained in QC procedures for herbal products;
- Drug discovery and development network established in the region
- Legal framework established for cross boundary collaboration based on biodiversity
and indigenous knowledge
- Post graduate training
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